After undergoing a lengthy process, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has approved a toll schedule that will charge an average driver $15 to enter lower Manhattan during peak hours. Trucks, buses, and vans will pay higher rates, while vehicles without an E-ZPass will also face higher tolls. The revenue from these congestion tolls will be used to cover the MTA’s budget deficits. However, the tolls will not be implemented until spring 2024 at the earliest.
The initial approval by the MTA board begins a four-month period of public input and review, during which additional changes could be made. This follows the yearslong federal environmental review process, during which the MTA received 28,000 pages of public comments.
Congestion pricing had been approved by the New York Legislature in 2019 as part of a budget agreement to raise funds for the city’s subway system and alleviate rush-hour gridlock. However, the tolls have faced opposition from motorists who view it as a cash grab. New Jersey politicians have also attempted to undermine the policy with federal legislation and lawsuits, while New York Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the reduced rates, but critics remain skeptical.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams raised concerns about school buses and taxis facing high fees, and some worry that reduced tolls and exemptions may not effectively address Manhattan’s gridlock. Overall, New York’s long road to congestion pricing has been a grueling and complicated process, involving numerous challenges and opposition. Despite the lengthy process, the tolls are not yet finalized and will require further approval.
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